Maybe This Time

010

After her conversation with Gap, Lingling resolved to take her words to heart. The next morning, she left a handwritten letter on Orm's desk.

It wasn't long, just a sincere note apologizing for past mistakes and explaining how she was working to become a better person. She didn't ask for forgiveness she simply wanted Orm to know she'd changed.

Orm found the letter and read the first line before setting it aside. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, and whispered to herself, "I'm past this."

Later that day, Lingling walked by her, offering a small, hopeful smile. Orm gave a polite nod but kept her distance, keeping the walls between them firmly in place.

In the following days, Lingling's gestures became more frequent yet subtle. She took over a few of Orm's workload when she saw Orm under pressure, offered coffee during late meetings, and made sure to be available whenever Orm's team needed help.

One afternoon, Lingling approached Orm with a carefully crafted project plan. "Hey, I thought these revisions might make things easier for you," she said softly, trying to keep her tone neutral but hopeful.

Orm barely glanced at the document, her voice flat. "Thanks, Ling, but I've got it handled."

Lingling's face fell slightly, but she nodded. "Alright.. just wanted to help."

The team gathered in the conference room for a campaign briefing. Their boss revealed the upcoming travel plans, describing how the campaign would benefit from a fresh location and hands on creative work.

Lingling's heart raced as she realized this was a chance to show Orm that her dedication and growth were real, not just gestures.

As Orm listened to the announcement, she noticed Lingling's gaze lingering on her, a glint of hope in her eyes. Orm shifted uncomfortably, sensing what Lingling might be thinking.

She couldn't deny a flicker of old memories, but she pushed them down, reminding herself of the distance she had worked hard to create.

The team traveled together, settling into the long days and late nights of creative work on location. Each day, Lingling took any opportunity to show Orm her sincerity offering support and help whenever Orm seemed overwhelmed, showing up with little gestures of thoughtfulness, and always being there without intruding too much.

During one work session, Orm caught Lingling watching her with an unreadable expression. Finally, unable to hold back, she confronted Lingling.

"Ling, why are you doing all of this?" Orm asked, her voice edged with frustration. "I've told you.. l've moved on, you can't keep hoping things will go back to the way they were."

Lingling's expression softened, her voice barely a whisper. "I know you've moved on. I don't expect anything in return, Orm. I just... I want you to see that l've changed."

Orm shook her head, an exasperated laugh escaping. "And what? What do you expect me to do with that? We can't go back, Ling. I can't keep pretending that the past didn't happen."

As the trip continued, Lingling's desperation grew. She felt that if she could just get Orm alone, get her to truly listen, maybe she could reach the part of Orm that once loved her.

She arranged a quiet dinner for the team one evening, hoping to create a relaxed atmosphere where she could have a moment alone with Orm.

Toward the end of the night, Lingling found Orm sitting by herself, watching the city lights.

"Orm," Lingling began, her voice thick with emotion. "I know you're angry with me. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. But please, let me show you l've changed."

Orm's face tightened. "Ling, this isn't fair. You think showing me these gestures will erase the past? You've put me in a position where I'm constantly having to push you away. Do you know how hard that is for me?"

Lingling looked down, her hands trembling. "I'm sorry. I just... I thought maybe if you saw that I've grown, if you saw how much I'm trying.. you'd see a future for us."

Orm's eyes filled with pain. "Ling, the past broke me. I finally healed, and you showing up like this doing all these things it's like tearing open a wound I'd already closed. It's not fair." She then walked away, already had enough with Ling.

Later that night, Lingling found Orm outside, leaning against a railing, looking out over the landscape. She approached, the determination in her heart giving her courage.

"Orm, I know this is hurting you," Lingling said softly. "But I'm here, and I want to fight for us. I'm not giving up until you see that."

Orm's eyes flashed as she turned to Lingling, her voice sharp. "Ling, do you think this is easy for me? Every time I see you, it stirs up everything I buried. You don't get to just walk back in and expect me to forget how much you hurt me."

Lingling reached out, her voice breaking. "I never wanted to hurt you, Orm. I'm here because I want to make things right."

Orm looked at her, her heart torn between the love she once felt and the pain that still lingered. Her face softened just slightly, a flicker of her own vulnerability showing. "Ling...
I don't know if I can let go of what happened. You have no idea how hard l've tried to forget."

Lingling's hand grazed Orm's, and for a split second, they both felt that old, familiar warmth. Slowly, their faces drifted closer, tension hanging thick in the air.

But just as their lips were about to meet, Orm pulled back, snapping out of the moment.

She took a step away, shaking her head. "This isn't right," she murmured, voice unsteady. "I can't... I can't do this."

She turned and walked away again without another word, leaving Lingling standing there, heartbroken and alone, realizing that despite her efforts, Orm's heart was still beyond her reach.